MURRIETA: Chief urges no Halloween for sex registrants

Adults convicted of crimes against children warned not to give out candy

Though Halloween is a time for spooky interludes, the Murrieta
Police Department has taken action to eliminate a potential
threat.

Chief Mark Wright signed a letter mailed this week to registered
sex offenders throughout the city discouraging them from
participating in any Halloween trick or treating.

Lt. Bob Davenport said the letter was sent to 43 registrants
whose crimes involved children. Though cooperation with the request
is voluntary, many registrants have agreed not to hand out candy,
he said.

"The department has a duty to provide protection for all the
residents of the City of Murrieta, including you," Wright states in
his letter, dated Oct. 28. "To avoid any unnecessary allegations of
impropriety with minors, I strongly suggest you protect yourself by
voluntarily refraining from interacting with the children during
the trick or treat holiday."

Along with the letter, registrants were also mailed a poster
decorated with playful ghosts and a message reading "Happy
Halloween, sorry no treats."

Registrants are encouraged to hang the poster on the front doors
of their homes, and leave their porch lights off.

Currently, 61 registered offenders live in the city, Davenport
said in late-September, and recently the City Council took a
unanimous step to require registrants to live more than 2,000 feet
from places where children typically congregate, such as schools,
parks or commercial swimming areas. The city already had in place a
law that disallowed registered sex offenders from loitering in
areas such as family fun centers because children frequent those
businesses.

The former rule was put into effect in mid-October. It was
requested by a group of neighbors who grew concerned for the safety
of their children when a registered sex offender moved onto the
block.

In March, residents of Hillsboro Circle near Tovashal Elementary
School protested the presence of the offender, who later moved.
Following the offender's departure, residents of the circle and
surrounding streets were sent an anonymous letter threatening the
lives of children in response to what the letter writer classified
as a personal attack on sex offenders. Police officials have not
made an arrest in the case.

On Friday, residents of that neighborhood said they were glad to
hear the police department had taken a step in making sure
registrants do not interact with children.

"I'm really impressed with how cooperative the Police Department
and City Council are in working with us," resident Jennifer Coy
said. "I agree (with the letter sent to registrants) and I don't
think you would get that support in other communities."

Coy added that she remembered being inappropriately solicited as
a youth while out trick-or-treating on Halloween.

"It can be dangerous," she said.

Other residents also appreciated the department's efforts.

"Better to be safe than sorry," said Chad Marshman, another
resident of the neighborhood.

But others shared concerns that many times sex-related crimes
are sealed to preserve the privacy of victims, and that jumping to
the conclusion that all of registrants are child rapists is too
extreme.

Christine Walker said that, though she felt children should be
protected at all costs, she also believes registrants who have
served their time should be given a chance to prove they've learned
their lesson.

"I feel it would really have to be on a case by case basis," she
said.